WESTCHESTER GUIDE

Published: December 20, 1987

SOVIET TOUR OPEN A week in the Soviet Union, including transportation, first-class hotels and all meals is available for $1,152 through the College of New Rochelle. Dr. Daniel McCarthy, assistant professor of comparative political systems, will shepherd a group of 30 through four days in Moscow and three days in Leningrad, departing New York March 24 and returning April 2.

On the agenda in Moscow are tours of the Kremlin, Moscow University and Red Square, with plenty of time for individual exploring. ''A knowledge of Russian is not essential,'' said Dr. McCarthy. ''Many people speak English, and there is a misconception about foreigners' movements being restricted. They are not.''

Upon arrival in Leningrad by train, the group will visit the Fortress of St. Peter and Paul where the czars are buried, the Hermitage Art Museum (formerly the Winter Palace), the battle ship Aurora, which participated in the revolution of 1917; ''and we hope to catch a performance of the Kirov Ballet if it's in town,'' Dr. McCarthy said.

''Russia is not a shopper's paradise,'' he said, ''so there is not a lot of opportunity to spend money over the price of the tour. We do go to the tourist shops that are off-limits to Russians, where you may buy furs, jewelry, sweaters, vodka and cognac.''

The area's temperature at that time of year is in the 40-degree range, without much snow, something like December in New York. Travel arrangements to and from the Soviet Union are by Finnair, travel within Russia is by Intourist. The return trip to the United States will be from Helsinki, where those who wish to do so may spend an extra two days for $150. Dr. McCarthy has prepared a reading list on Soviet affairs for the group, and he will hold an orientation session before the departure date. For more information or to sign up for the trip, call 654-5582. FOR BIRDERS

Birders should set aside the hours from 1 to 4 P.M. next Sunday for the 61st yearly Christmas bird count at Wave Hill in Riverdale. Susan Antenen, a naturalist at the environmental center will lead the group over the grounds and into Riverdale Park to identify cedar waxwings, brown thrashers, towhees, purple finches, flickers, goldfinches and turkey vultures, as well as geese, hawks and gulls over the Hudson River. Last year 23 species were sighted in the area.

Bird counts at this time of year originated decades ago as an alternative to the Christmas Sidehunt, a family expedition in which thousands of game birds were slaughtered to fill holiday sideboards. Identification and counts of the birds at numerous locations nationwide are forwarded to the Audubon Society and published as an ongoing record.

Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for the elderly and children. After the count, there will be time to discuss the sightings over hot coffee and cocoa. Birders should wear warm, comfortable clothing and take binoculars. Call (212) 549-3200 to register. Wave Hill is located at 249th Street and Independence Avenue. NOSTALGIA ON DISPLAY

Dear old golden rule days are remembered fondly in an exhibition called ''Yesterday's Schools and Teachers'' at the Southeast Museum, in Brewster. Some 200 years of public education in the state, particularly in northern Westchester, are documented in old photographs, prints, furniture, books, equipment and teaching materials.

Specially commissioned memoirs by students and teachers recalling school situations of 50 or more years ago have been assembled, writing slates and other bygone teaching tools may be handled and an audio-video presentation describing neighborhood schools of grandmother's day will be shown at regular intervals.

Another nostalgic display is from the private collection of agricultural tools assembled over many years by Grandpa Sid Steinberger, a curatorial consultant to the museum. These are not your usual rusty harrows and scythes but unusual implements that Mr. Steinberger takes great pains to find. Every so often a single ''mystery tool'' is exhibited. Anyone who can identify and document its original use wins $10.

The museum is on Main Street and is open from noon to 4 P.M. Tuesday through Thursday, and from 2 to 4 P.M. weekends, free of charge. The two exhibits may be seen through April 30. A STRIKING BLEND

Travelers to the more remote sections of Peru and other South American countries are often surprised to discover magnificent examples of weaving, similar to those pieces on view at the Hudson River Museum through Jan. 15. Designed and executed by Gregorio Sulca, a native of the Ayacucho region of the Andes in Peru, the six wool tapestries combine centuries-old techniques and subject matter with a contemporary perspective.

The wools are colored with natural dyes sought by the artist in the Peruvian mountains, jungles and coastline and obtained from plants and animals. Mr. Sulca's heritage as a descendant of the Wari Indians, whose culture predates the Incas, and his university education in anthrolopogy and fine arts, have produced in his work a striking blend of sophistication and primitivism.

The museum overlooks the Hudson River in Yonkers at 511 Warburton Avenue. Hours are from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. Thursday and noon to 5 P.M. Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children. Call 963-4550 for more information. HOW TO SPEAK UP

A free showcase performance by 35 actors from the Westchester Acting Studio of Larchmont will be presented at 7 P.M. Monday in the Emelin Theater, Library Lane, Mamaroneck. The studio was founded two years ago by Leslie Molinoff and Bob Luke, both members of Actor's Equity, the professional actor's union. Its students range in age from 5 to 65 and include both amateurs and professionals. Many people enroll in classes to improve their skills in public speaking or sales presentations.

Monday's program will be composed of a variety of scenes and monologues, some of them keyed to the holiday season. For reservations call 698-0098. For more information about the studio and the spring semester, beginning Jan. 25, call 834-6002 days or (212) 245-2831 evenings and weekends. $90ELEANOR CHARLES